Honestly, if you're standing in front of your open suitcase right now trying to figure out what is the weather in Paris France, you're probably about to make a classic mistake. You’ve likely seen the Instagram photos. Sun-drenched cafes. Flowy dresses. A perfect, crisp afternoon by the Seine.
Reality check: Paris is moody.
Right now, as of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the city is wrapped in a thick blanket of gray. It’s exactly 45°F outside. If you’re heading out for a croissant this morning, you’re looking at a light 5 mph breeze coming from the east. It’s cloudy, damp, and perfectly Parisian in that "noir film" kind of way.
The Immediate Forecast: A Week of "Gris"
The locals call it la grisaille. It’s that persistent, pearly gray sky that defines winter in the capital. Today’s high is barely scraping 48°F, and tonight it’ll dip to 39°F. You might see a stray shower, but there’s only a 10% chance of rain today.
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Basically, it’s "heavy coat and scarf" weather.
Looking ahead at the next few days, don’t expect a sudden burst of Mediterranean heat. Monday and Tuesday keep the trend going with highs of 50°F and 51°F. It’s consistent. It’s predictable. Until it isn't. By Friday, January 23rd, things get a bit messier with a 40% chance of rain and winds kicking up to 12 mph.
Wait for it, though. If you’re still in town by next Wednesday, January 28th, the temperature is forecasted to drop to a low of 31°F with snow showers in the evening.
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Paris doesn't do "extreme" winter often, but when it does, it’s usually just enough to make the rooftops look like a painting before turning into slush an hour later.
What Is the Weather in Paris France Really Like Year-Round?
Most people think Paris is always temperate.
That’s a lie.
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I’ve seen July days where the temperature hit 100°F (thanks, 2024 heatwaves), and I’ve seen May mornings where I was shivering in a wool coat. The city has a "modified oceanic climate." That’s a fancy way of saying it’s a gamble.
The Seasonal Breakdown You Actually Need
- Spring (March to May): This is the "cherry blossom" season everyone pays the big bucks for. It starts chilly (low 50s) and ends glorious (high 60s). But here’s the kicker: March is technically one of the driest months, yet you’ll still feel like you need an umbrella every three hours.
- Summer (June to August): It gets hot. Not "Florida hot," but "old-stone-buildings-with-no-AC hot." July is the peak, averaging 76°F, but records have seen it soar way higher.
- Autumn (September to November): Honestly, this is the best time. The light turns golden. The crowds from the Louvre ticket price hike (now 32 euros for us non-EU folks!) start to thin. Expect 50°F to 60°F.
- Winter (December to February): It’s dark. It’s wet. Average highs hover around 44°F.
The "Invisible" Climate Shift
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: 2025 was the third-hottest year on record globally. Paris is feeling it. Over the last century, the city has warmed up by about 3.2°F.
That might not sound like a lot when you’re choosing between a sweater and a hoodie. But it means "sweltering nights" (where it stays above 68°F) are now twenty times more frequent than they were a hundred years ago. If you’re booking a hotel for July or August, check for air conditioning. Seriously. Most traditional Parisian apartments don't have it, and you will regret it during a canicule (heatwave).
The Packing Strategy: How Not to Look Like a Tourist
If you want to blend in while navigating whatever is the weather in Paris France throws at you, think in layers. Parisians are the masters of the "scarf transition."
- Waterproof is better than an umbrella. The wind in Paris loves to break those cheap tourist umbrellas you buy for 5 euros near Notre Dame. Get a sleek, hooded trench coat.
- Leather boots or bust. Suede is a death wish in a Parisian winter. The puddles are real.
- The "Middle" Layer. Even in January, the Metro is a furnace. You’ll be freezing on the platform and sweating once you board the Line 1. Wear a light sweater under your heavy coat so you don't overheat underground.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the "Ressenti": Don't just look at the temperature. Look at the "feels like" (apparent) temp. Humidity in Paris makes 45°F feel like 35°F.
- Book Indoor Backups: If the forecast shows a 40% rain chance on Friday (like it does this week), that's your day for the Musee d'Orsay or a long, two-hour lunch at a bistro.
- Morning vs. Evening: The temperature gap in Paris is narrow in winter but wide in summer. In July, you might start at 58°F and hit 85°F by 4 PM. Pack a "day-to-night" layer.
Paris is beautiful regardless of the clouds. Just don't let a little rain ruin your view of the Eiffel Tower.